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- Dubai 04:31 05:49 12:21 15:48 18:47 20:05
This year's event is already a big achievement, though it is not over yet, says Obaid Al Ketbi, Chairman of Idex. (SUPPLIED)
The UAE Armed Forces yesterday announced concluding eight contracts worth Dh3.8 billion on the second day of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference 2009.
Briefing the media on the second day activities at the exhibition, Major-General Obaid Al Ketbi, Chairman and spokesman of Idex 2009 and Chairman of Military Committees, said the second day of the exhibition went through successfully with participating companies and delegations discussing ideas and signing major deals. "This year's event is already a big achievement though it is not over yet. We all know the importance of the Idex and its role in the global defence system and industry. There is also no doubt the success of this international event is guaranteed under our wise leadership," he said.
Al Ketbi said the UAE Armed Forces yesterday awarded a number of contracts to eight local and international firms at the Idex, which, he added, will witness further lucrative contracts announced.
He also said most of the contracts have gone to local companies that shows how developed UAE defence industry is.
The biggest contract went to Abu Dhabi Ship Building Company (ADSB) to build 24 fast combat vessels with a total cost of Dh935.4m.
The second largest contract, worth Dh892.8m went to Euro-Art to provide three high-tech radar systems called Cobra.
Thales Communication of France won two contracts from the armed forces with a total value of Dh329.6m. They will develop and provide radio signaling technology system for Dh156.8m under one contract and interior communication technology system called Sotas for Leclerc (M2) tanks for Dh172.8m under the second defence contract.
Abu Dhabi-based International Golden Group won two contracts with a total value of Dh130.3m, while Dubai-based Emirates Falcons Technical Services for Light Arms won two deals for Dh59m.
Haris RF Corporation of the US won a contract of Dh192.2m to provide communications technologies and related equipment.
The armed forces also ordered two helicopters specially designed for carrying very senior personnel of the army. The two chopper s will be acquired with a total cost of Dh95.8m.
The Armed Forces also awarded the Boeing Company a Dh373.4m contract, providing spare parts for aircraft, services and development and training.
When asked about the current global slowdown and the defence industry, he said it was the only industry that has not been affected.
"I don't think this recession has any impact on the defence industry. In fact we have been seeing more packages and the better ones during this recession," said Al Ketbi.
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